Vimy Ridge

Vimy Ridge, battle fought 9-14 April 1917 during the FIRST WORLD WAR. The long, low ridge formed a key position linking the Germans' new HINDENBURG LINE to their main trench lines leading north from HILL 70 near Arras, France. Both British and French forces had tried unsuccessfully to take the ridge earlier during the war. In spring 1917 the task was given to the Canadian Corps, commanded by British Lt-Gen Sir J.H.G. BYNG.

Part 1, Setting the Stage. From YouTube.

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After careful training and rehearsal, and supported by almost 1000 artillery pieces, the Canadians attacked along a 6.4 km front on 9 April 1917. It was the first time the Canadians attacked together, and they achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. By April 14 they had gained more ground, more guns, and more prisoners than any previous British offensive had done. Canadian casualties mounted to 10 602, of which 3598 were killed. Nevertheless the sense of achievement and national pride created by this success gave the Canadians a great feeling of self-confidence. The Canadian Corps was to gain recognition as an elite corps.

Author R.H. ROY

Suggested Reading
Pierre Berton, Vimy (1986).

Links to Other Sites
Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.

Canada At War
View a timeline of major Canadian military operations from the South African War to the present. From Veterans Affairs Canada.

Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War, 1917 – 1918
A brief video clip of Author Tim Cook talking about his book "Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War, 1917 – 1918." From the website for the Charles Taylor Prize.

Vimy Ridge
This website offers a brief account of the infamous First World War battle of Vimy Ridge. Includes photographs of military action taken by Canadian photographer Jack Turner. From Library and Archives Canada.

CBC: Vimy Ridge Remembered
A multimedia CBC feature devoted to the stories of Canadian veterans who fought on the front lines at Vimy Ridge in the First World War.

For King and Empire: Canada's Soldiers in the Great War
An online guide to the “For King and Empire” video documentary series. Features detailed day-by-day accounts of military battles, profiles of individual soldiers, a glossary of weapons and artillery, and much more. From Breakthrough Films and History Television.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge
An informative overview of the historic Battle of Vimy Ridge from the Canadian War Museum.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge
This site offers a brief account of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. From Veterans Affairs Canada.

Design and Construction of the Vimy Ridge Memorial
Details about the design and construction of the Vimy Ridge Memorial. From Veterans Affairs Canada.

Vimy Ridge Memorial Unveiled
Listen to a CBC Radio clip of King Edward VIII speaking about the heroism and sacrifices of Canadian troops in the First World War at the scene of the unvieling of the Vimy Ridge Memorial.

Walter S. Allward Collection
An online guide to the Walter S. Allward Collection at the National Gallery of Canada.

Vimy Memorial
Dedicated to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Click on "Cemetery Details" and then click on the names for personal information about each soldier buried at the site. From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Scroll down to see an article about the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. From the Department of National Defence. A PDF file.

Women and War
This reading guide focuses on the heroic story of Grace MacPherson Livingstone, who served as an ambulance driver in France during the First World War. About the book "Victory at Vimy: Canada Comes of Age, April 9–12, 1917", by Ted Barris. From the website for the Durham West Arts Centre.

The Soldiers’ Story
An article about the brave men and women who served in the Canadian military at the Battle at Vimy Ridge. From the "Legion Magazine."